She Strengthens

Small Shifts, Big Impact: How Swapping Booze for Burpees Changed My Life

As I’ve learned, it’s the small, incremental changes that can have a profound effect on our overall happiness and well-being. One such change that has had a significant impact on my life is swapping out my weekly social gatherings centered around booze for fitness-focused evenings.

Breaking Free from the Social Norm

For many of us, especially millennial women, drinking has become an integral part of our social lives. I, too, fell into this trap, believing that meaningful connections were forged over fancy cocktails and wine. However, when the pandemic hit, and lockdown was implemented in my city, my friends and I decided to take a different approach. We started scheduling weekly at-home hangouts, which initially involved wine and cheese plates, but eventually evolved into YouTube at-home workouts and healthy snacks.

The Power of Accountability

One of the biggest benefits of working out with friends is the accountability factor. Knowing that my friends are counting on me to show up motivates me to get moving, even when I’m not feeling up for it. Plus, waking up the next morning feeling refreshed and accomplished, rather than groggy and hungover, is a huge bonus.

A Budget-Friendly Alternative

Socializing around alcohol can be expensive, but the buzz I get from working out is free! This small change has been great for my budget, and I no longer feel pressured to spend money on drinks or cocktails.

Better Workouts, Better Results

Working out with friends has also improved the quality of my workouts. With a scheduled workout every week, I’m more motivated to get my solo workouts done at other times. Plus, having a dedicated block of time for exercise means I’m less likely to take shortcuts and skip important warm-ups and cool-downs.

Adapting to Change

The success of this strategy relies on two key factors: having a comfortable space to work out and requiring relatively low mental energy to implement. As the pandemic continues to evolve, I’m prepared to adapt to new challenges and find ways to maintain this routine, whether that means moving our workouts online or outside.

Celebrating Small Wins

In a time where many of us have had to put our bigger plans on hold, it’s essential to celebrate small victories. For me, that means acknowledging the positive impact that drinking less and moving more has had on my life, while also investing in meaningful friendships. What are your small wins for 2020?